'Rarely do they know our struggles'- Faith Kipyegon opens up on fan expectations after Sirikwa Classic setback

Faith Kipyegon is the first athlete man or woman to win consecutive Olympic gold in the 1500m three times.

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Faith Kipyegon opens up about fan pressure after Sirikwa Classic setback

'Rarely do they know our struggles'- Faith Kipyegon opens up on fan expectations after Sirikwa Classic setback

Abigael Wafula 08:30 - 01.03.2025

Faith Kipyegon has detailed the high expectations fans always have for their favourite athletes without understanding what really happens behind the scenes.

Double world champion Faith Kipyegon has opened up about one of the challenges athletes face after failing to finish the race at the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross-Country last Saturday.

The three-time Olympic champion was a favourite to win the race, and fans had come out in large numbers to cheer her on. She admitted to disappointing the fans but noted that she was easy with her performance.

It was the second time Faith Kipyegon was competing in the senior women’s 10km race after her win in 2023 and she too was expecting to reclaim her title but things did not go as planned.

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Faith Kipyegon pointed out that fans do not always put themselves in an athlete’s shoes to understand whatever is going on and they are always quick to throw stones when an athlete performs below expectation.

She revealed that it is evident they want the best for an athlete but sometimes things do not go as planned and fans should not be too hard on the athletes.

“Not at all. I am easy whichever way I perform. I know most of my fans, especially those who have not done sports, will not understand our situation,” Faith Kipyegon said, as quoted by Nation Sport.

“Rarely do they know our struggles, but they want us to perform, and I fully understand their situation because they want the best for us. But I take it in my stride whatever the outcome of my races.”

She added that the Absa Sirikwa Classic was a challenge for her and she gave her best shot but it was not enough. Faith Kipyegon admitted that despite having trained well and put in a lot of effort, it was not her day in the office.

Valencia Half Marathon champion Agnes Ngetich carried the day, running a solo race to eventually claim top honours.

"I would like to challenge myself with strong athletes. You can only be the best when running with the best," Faith Kipyegon said.

"This is sports, and anything can happen when you decide to try out new ventures. You can win sometimes and lose at the same time... the outcome can be different."

Ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan where Faith Kipyegon is expected to defend her titles, she revealed that she is not under the pump to deliver.

She added that competing against great athletes including double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet, Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan and world 10,000 champion Gudaf Tsegay is what makes her one of the best.

“I’m never under pressure since it’s always my desire to compete against Chebet, Sifan and Gudaf Tsegay among others. Any day, any challenge is most welcome since that is how one becomes great,” Faith Kipyegon said.

“Above all, being disciplined, doing the right thing and being at the right place at the right time are some of the reasons that make me perform. It’s not difficult being myself because I have faith and I believe in my training.”

As she gears up for the long and busy season, Faith Kipyegon will kickstart her international campaign at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen where she will line up against strong women in the 1000m.